Council welcomes launch of Pacific Bio’s ReefAsta

Burdekin Shire Council has welcomed the release of a new supplement by Pacific Bio (formerly known as MBD) which utilises fresh microalgae sustainably grown at the company’s Alva Beach facility.

ReefAsta uses astaxanthin – an antioxidant extracted from Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae, produced by the first and only specialised cultivation facility in Australia.

The Alva Beach facility is currently producing 150,000 bottles of the supplement annum but has the capacity to double that output.

Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said the project was a welcome boost for the region.

“It’s exciting to see that less than two years after the launch of the ReefAsta project, not only is the facility fully operational but also that the end product is now available for purchase by consumers,” Cr McLaughlin.

“The ReefAsta project supported 30 jobs during the construction phase and created a further 20 ongoing jobs at the Alva Beach facility, providing a welcome boost to our local economy.”

Pacific Bio Senior Scientist Dr Nicolas von Alvensleben has been at the forefront of microalgal research for almost a decade.

“What makes astaxanthin especially unique is its structure. When it comes to cell protection from free radicals, which speed up ageing and disease – astaxanthin is superior to many other antioxidant compounds,” says Dr von Alvensleben.

For Pacific Bio business manager Mark Clayton, the launch of ReefAsta is a major milestone for the team and a great opportunity for Australians to get behind a local product.

“As more Australians learn about astaxanthin and its compelling health benefits, we’re proud to give them a naturally derived option, that supports local industry and has been grown under the Queensland sun,” he said.

“ReefAsta was developed by Pacific Bio in partnership with James Cook University and is the first consumer product to come out of that collaboration.

“We are continuing to work with JCU to develop a number of different products here in North Queensland, including a powerful biostimulant for sugar cane and horticultural products based on macroalgae.”

Pacific Bio CEO Sam Bastounas said the Burdekin’s tropical climate made it an ideal location for the company’s operations.

“With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, the Burdekin was the perfect location to establish our facility,” Mr Bastounas said.

Pacific Bio is the parent company behind Pacific Reef Fisheries which employs a further 40 full-time staff and a significant number of seasonal workers at the Alva Beach facility.